Cast Iron Chicken Thighs are a crispy skillet chicken recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, delivering crispy skin, bold chipotle seasoning, and minimal prep. Bone-in chicken thighs are seared in a cast-iron skillet and finished in the oven until juicy and golden brown.
If you like this recipe, you might also like our Cajun Roasted Chicken or this Cast Iron Salmon.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 35 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🔥 Cook Method: Cast iron skillet and oven
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Chicken Dinner Recipe
- 👩🍳 Pair With: roasted potatoes, rice, Carrot Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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Disclaimer: AI summaries may vary and are not guaranteed to match the original recipe provided here.
A cast iron skillet holds heat well, helping the chicken cook evenly while crisping the skin. ~Jami
Why We Love This Recipe
- Crispy Skin: The cast iron skillet helps remove excess moisture while creating crispy chicken thighs with deeply golden skin.
- Easy Cleanup: The entire recipe cooks in one cast-iron skillet for less cleanup after dinner.
- Great for Weeknights: This easy weeknight dinner cooks mostly in the oven, giving you time to prepare a side dish or salad while the chicken roasts.
- Flexible Cooking Options: Add butter, chicken broth, or a splash of white wine to the skillet for extra flavor and a simple pan sauce.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and texture.
- Chipotle Seasoning: The homemade chipotle seasoning combines chipotle powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, kosher salt, onion powder, and ancho chili pepper for smoky flavor with balanced heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors.
- Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up the skin and prevent sticking.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chipotle Seasoning: Substitute with Cajun seasoning or your favorite seasoning blend.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or canola oil.
- Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs or drumsticks can be used, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
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How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Thighs
STEP 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks and the skin gets crispy.
STEP2: Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken thighs with chipotle seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
STEP 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
STEP 4: Roast the Chicken
Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. The skillet drippings create a delicious sauce for spooning over the chicken or your favorite side dish.
Storage
Store leftover skillet chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it will soften the skin; instead, use the oven to keep it crispy.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Make sure the chicken thighs are completely dry before seasoning.
✔️ DO Sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet without moving them to get a perfect golden crust.
✔️ DO Let chicken rest after cooking.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs Recipe FAQs
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as boneless thighs cook faster.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best cut for juicy meat and the crispiest skin in a cast-iron skillet.
The skillet should be properly preheated on medium-high heat before adding the chicken. Make sure the chicken skin is dry before placing it in the skillet to achieve a good sear and prevent sticking.
Make sure the chicken thighs are at room temperature and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and avoid moving them for the first 5-7 minutes to develop a crispy, golden-brown skin.
More Chicken Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs bone-in skin-on
- 2 tablespoons chipotle seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chipotle seasoning, salt, and black pepper all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin.
- Avoid moving the chicken while the skin sears.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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